I'm currently enrolled in a Colonial Latin America history course at my university, which has of course led me to find some music from the region. While I was already passingly familiar with some Latin American music (primarily cumbia), a YouTube search revealed a fascinating find from the Andes Mountains region. Allow me to introduce you to Ynka Huasy.
"Original Music from the Andes, Vol. 4" by this enormously talented group has become frequent listening for me, often accompanying my studies of the region. The album features a mix of traditional melodies and soaring vocals based around the smooth fluttering of traditional pan pipes. There is a steady balance between instrumental pieces and the wonderful vocal pieces that astonish with their strong, sweeping harmonies.
I wish I could say more about this group, but unfortunately I've been unable to find any information online. To this end I ask any readers with more information about this wonderful music and its creators to contact me, either in the comments or by email at vincentzhaboka@gmail.com.
Below is one of the more outstanding cuts from the album, my personal favorite "Te Marchaste." You can listen to the rest of the album here.
Thanks for stopping by! And remember to keep your earbuds in and your mind open!
Today I'm spotlighting some of the French music I've been listening to lately, in honor of Bastille Day. I know, I know, it's a little late, but bear with me and my American time. Over the past few weeks I've become fairly obsessed with francophonic artists, from Coeur de Pirate to Johnny Hallyday to Stromae. To celebrate Bastille Day, I'm going to highlight a couple of French artists who seem to be hugely popular over there, but are complete unknowns in the States.
Artist: Indila
Origin: Paris, France
Genre: Pop
Notable Albums: Mini World
Photo by Franҫois Roy for La Presse
Our first artist today is Indila, a pop singer whose debut album Mini World (2014) went diamond in her native France and won for Album Révélation (newcomer album) at the 2015 Victoires de la Musique (think the French Grammy's). The album came on the heels of several successful collabs, which catapulted Indila into the spotlight and paved the way for her current success.
Indila was the first actually French artist who caught my ear in my search for good French music. Although she utilizes a sound more reminiscent of mainstream American pop than some other artists I found, there are some distinct differences. The clear tones (musically and vocally) in her music are a welcome break from the sing-as-loud-as-you-can, rough-edged-synth sounds I'm used to, and elements of movie-trailer-style choir vocals show up from time to time. Below is the music video for her song "SOS," my personal favorite song of hers. If you have good headphones or speakers you'll hear an awesome drum line during the chorus, creating a powerful sense of suspense that contrasts beautifully with Indila's flawless vocals. Enjoy!
Vianney plays a folksy style of pop, but has met with a great deal of success, as well. His debut album Idées Blanches (2014), was one of two nominees beaten out by Indila for Album Révélation. He has released several successful singles accompanied by wonderful music videos (link to one of them in a moment).
If there's one thing Vianney seems to be known for, it's incredibly
catchy songs. Among the French music I've listened to, I can say his
songs have been the quickest to stick with me. The simplicity of the
music makes for a lovely, stripped-down sound dominated by acoustic
guitar, yet his gentle melodies can compete with any obnoxiously catchy
hooks in terms of staying with you. Below is the music video for the
first of his songs that I heard, "Pas là." Enjoy!
Well, that concludes the Bastille Day French music spotlight. Again, I know it's a bit late for Metropolitan France, but it really makes a great excuse to promote French music. Thanks for taking the time to read this -- and more importantly, to listen. Until next time, keep your earbuds in and your mind open!
